Black-Scholes Formula

The Black-Scholes Formula: An Introduction

The Black-Scholes formula is a mathematical equation used to calculate the theoretical value of a call or put option in the stock market. This equation, developed by Fischer Black and Myron Scholes in 1973, is widely used today by investors to make decisions about buying and selling options and other derivatives. While the Black-Scholes formula is a complex equation, understanding the basic principles behind it can help investors better understand the markets and make more informed decisions.

The Components of the Black-Scholes Formula

The Black-Scholes formula consists of five variables which are all used to calculate the price of an option. These variables are the stock price, strike price, time to expiration, volatility, and the risk-free rate. The stock price is the current price of the underlying asset, the strike price is the predetermined price at which the option can be exercised, the time to expiration is the length of time before the option expires, the volatility is a measure of the amount of risk associated with the underlying asset, and the risk-free rate is the rate of return of a risk-free investment.

Using the Black-Scholes Formula to Value an Option

Once the variables of the Black-Scholes formula are known, the value of an option can be calculated using the following equation:

Option Value = S * N(d1) - X * e^-rt * N(d2)

where S is the stock price, X is the strike price, t is the time to expiration, r is the risk-free rate, and N is a function of the variables d1 and d2, which can be calculated from the other variables. The d1 and d2 terms are calculated using the following equations:

d₁ = (ln(S/X) + (r + σ²/2) * t)/(σ * √t)

d₂ = d₁ - σ * √t

where σ is the volatility of the underlying asset.

Conclusion

The Black-Scholes formula is a powerful tool for investors to calculate the theoretical value of an option, and understanding its components and how it is used can help investors make more informed decisions. While the Black-Scholes formula is a complex equation, understanding the basic principles behind it can help investors better understand the markets and make more informed decisions.